Spatial assessment of socio-economic vulnerability to climate-related disasters at the local level: Study of coastal villages in Indramayu, Indonesia

Abstract

Climate change has brought ecological impacts in the coastal area, such as seawater intrusion, coastal floods, and erosion, which have caused broader effects on non-physical aspects of human activities, including the coastal economy and society. This study aims to assess the socio-economic vulnerability to climate-related disasters in the coastal villages of Indramayu, Indonesia. Secondary data were collected based on available sources. Spatial and statistical analyses were applied. This study uses ten indicators to measure the socio-economic vulnerability of 41 coastal villages. These indicators include seven socio-demographic indicators and three economic indicators. The analysis shows that ten villages (24.39%) are socially vulnerable, and five villages (4.87%) are economically vulnerable. Overall, two out of seven socio-demographic indicators have high vulnerability levels, namely disaster mitigation systems and established community groups. Two out of three economic indicators also have high degrees of vulnerability, namely the availability of economic facilities and the employment-based sector. The other indicators with medium to low degree of vulnerability are population density, the elderly population, the disabled population (socio-demographic indicators), and poverty (economic indicator). From this study, local governments and other relevant actors can prioritize climate-related disaster reduction strategies in particular sectors and locations through spatial and development plans.